Those with a home or business alarm within the Codiac RCMP coverage area in New Brunswick may not hear from police if that alarm system goes off.
It’s all due to a new policy quietly introduced in April.
Samuel Grove, who works at the residential and commercial security company, Centurion, sells alarms and camera systems. He says he and his co-workers have found themselves informing frustrated clients in the Moncton area about the new policy.
“Whenever there is an intrusion, we’re contacting our key holders, our business owners, to make sure they’re aware of what’s happening,” he said.
“But (…) the RCMP may not respond at this point, based on what’s occurred on site.”
Prior to April 22, Codiac RCMP officers would be dispatched to intrusion alarms that were set off in residences or buildings.
Now, there are several new conditions that must be met first, such as video evidence of a crime being committed, a keyholder witnessing a crime being committed or an immediate danger to the public.
Get breaking National news
RCMP spokesperson, Cpl. Luc Picard said alarms are still being treated “seriously” but that this change was implemented so resources aren’t wasted on false alarms.
He adds the decision will be up to the supervisor if police are dispatched when the new criteria aren’t met.
“Basically, under these policies, officers will still respond to alarms such as robberies, panic alarms, alarms supported by live video or witness confirmation, or those originating from high-risk or critical locations,” said Picard.
“(This includes) financial institutions, pharmacies, firearm retailers and courts.”
Business owner Jo-Ann Phillips, who is a member of the anti-crime advocacy coalition, Enough is Enough, has had several break-ins at her income property.
She says she understands the need for triage, but believes this takes it too far.
- Kelowna family shaken after loved one is stabbed on morning walk
- Alex Newhook fans turn N.L. bars into ‘mini Bell Centres’ during Habs playoff games
- Montreal merchants brace for ‘perfect storm’ as playoffs and Grand Prix collide
- Saskatchewan Realtors Association backs ISC acquisition if status quo maintained
“It reaffirms that we don’t have enough officers available,” she said.
“Obviously the more dire circumstances have to be addressed first. But the fact that we’re telling citizens now, ‘Yeah, if your alarm goes off, don’t bank on anybody showing up unless these situations present.’ So, why did I invest in the alarm in the first place?”
Enough is Enough has surveyed candidates in the upcoming municipal elections on their stances and thoughts on crime.
Phillips says she just wants “one of the entities” — whether it’s federal, provincial or municipal governments — to prioritize crime and come up with better solutions.
Otherwise, she says, residents don’t feel safe.
“There’s a lot of individuals that will not come into the downtown core of Moncton to do business. They won’t come to eat at restaurants. They won’t attend performances. They won’t frequent the businesses down here,” she said.
“So we’re struggling as businesses to get income and now we have to invest more income into the security and safety of our properties only to be told then by our leadership, those that are governing the area and by the RCMP, that they’re going to do less and we need to do more.”
Grove says in the meantime, he’s encouraging customers to invest in cameras or panic buttons, to ensure RCMP respond when they’re needed.
Bawhahahaha ….. Nothing is wrong, it’s all fine …. The whole country has been falling apart incrementally and consistently for a LONG TIME. Just another fraction of a degree hotter Mr. Frog.
Ramp to busy exporting citizens on the highway . You dont make money when you check a house alarm get rid of them and hire your own police . You can then direct their activities. They spend to much time trying to unlawfully get your ID .
Yeah with their catch and release policies and having more regard for criminals, you’re better to buy a gun and handle it yourself. The police don’t work for us anymore.
New Brunswick’s debt went from $1B surplus to $14B debt so why are all our services being discontinued? I don’t understand how anyone could be/vote liberal in 2026, don’t you see they don’t want what’s best for this country? If gov were a bank, not a single person would invest.
Providing protection through policing is the governments number one job. Our priorities are so misplaced it’s come to things like this.
Remember, never interrupt a robbery or invasion. You cannot defend yourself with force greater than they use on you, or else they can take legal action against you. Leave your car keys by the back door so intruders or home invaders will not become violent. Ensure your VIN number is clearly visible so they can easily photograph it to determine if it’s equipped to their overseas buyer’s requirements. Turn in your firearms at the nearest collection station.
That is why I invested in a camera system. It is more important than the alarm. When there is nobody home, and it notices motion, it calls me. I then would call the police. A verified non-false alarm.
If I am home, I have a panic button handy. Another non-false alarm. The regular alarm systems go off constantly and are an annoyance, so they are treated as such.